• Analyse different stages of self-knowledge identified in the Gita.
• Relate solutions provided in the Gita to personal and academic challenges.
• Develop a resilient approach to life by embracing values such as equanimity, compassion, and self-awareness.
• Demonstrate improved stress management and mindfulness practices inspired by the Gita’s guidance.

UNIT- I The Context of the Bhagawad Gita (4 hours)

• Understanding the universal relevance of the Gita
• Doubts, fears, apathy and dilemmas as stepping stones to growth and evolution: Arjuna’s dilemma and Krishna’s guidance
• Practical tools for self-awareness, acceptance and the desire to make an effort (krta sadhya) to overcome
• How to act without attachment to the outcome (Nishkama Karma)

UNIT- II Challenges for the Life Ahead (4 hours)

• Navigating Career Dilemmas and Indecisiveness
• Unhealthy Competition and Peer Pressure
• Poor Self-Esteem and Self-Doubt: Who am I?
• Self-discovery and reflections on the concept of Swadharma

UNIT- III Managing Stress and Negative Emotions (4 hours)

• Aggression, Conflicts and Stress
• Addiction to Substances and Digital Media
• The Gita’s teachings on equanimity: Responding to both success and failure
• Managing Sattvika, Rajasika and Tamasika Gunas

UNIT - IV The Quest for Balance (3 hours)

• The practice of Yoga – Yama, Niyama, Pranayama and meditation (Pratyahara, Dhyana, Dharana) as tools for achieving balance.
• The qualities of Sthitapragya – the joyful, energised and purposeful state of being

• Students can maintain a journal detailing some of the immediate academic and personal dilemmas they are facing, and attempt to integrate the class discussions on the Gita to those issues
• Students may attempt to write a commentary on any section/verses of the Gita, providing their own interpretation
• An interesting activity in the form of group discussion can relate around the theme of conflict resolution. Each group can be given a case study.
• Students may be asked to think/write about whom they approach for advice.
• Some practical sessions can be devoted to students trying to discover their swadharma. What work would give them joy?
• Meditation exercises
• Any other Practical/Practice as decided from time to time by the teacher

Note: Teachers may use the following verses of the Gita to facilitate unit-wise discussions in the classroom :

(Unit 1)

1. Chapter 2, Verse 47

(Unit 2)

1.Chapter 18, Verse 14

2.Chapter 6, Verse 5

3.Chapter 18, Verse 45

(Unit 3)

Chapter 16, Verse 2

Chapter 2, Verse 62-63

(Unit 4)

Chapter 6, Verse 6

The Bhagavadgītā or The Song Divine (English) Gita Press, Gorakhpur OR श्रीमद्भगवद् गीता (साधक हिन्दी टीका), Gita Press, Gorakhpur (Hindi) can be consulted for the above references

• श्रीमद्भगवद् गीता (साधक हिन्दी टीका), Gita Press, Gorakhpur (as specified in the Note above)
• The Bhagavadgītā Or The Song Divine (With Sanskrit Text and English Translation) Gita Press, Gorakhpur ((as specified in the Note above)
• Essence of the Bhagavad Gita: A contemporary Guide to Yoga, Meditation and Indian Philosophy by Eknath Easwaran, Nilgiri Press, 2011; pp. 23-32, 105-128, 147-166
• Swami Chinmayananda, (1996), “Holy Geeta”, Central Chinmaya Mission Trust, Mumbai pp. 2-13

Examination scheme and mode: Subject to directions from the Examination Branch/University of Delhi from time to time